With “voluntary” winter workouts commencing Tuesday at USC, there was one notable absence -- star wide receiver Robert Woods.
A couple of months from now, though, Woods should be good to go as the Trojans begin preparations in earnest for a season that could see a return to the national stage for the program.
Woods, bothered by an ankle issue for all of the 2011 season, underwent arthroscopic surgery in mid-December to repair the damage. The soon-to-be junior told the Orange County Register yesterday that, by the time spring practice rolls around, he expects to be 100-percent healthy.
“No doubt,” Woods said when asked if he would be available for the start of the spring sessions. “I don’t see why not. ...
“I’m just trying to play it safe. It’s a long season.”
Despite being hampered by the injury -- which occurred during a “basketball incident” last spring -- Woods set a single-season school record with 111 receptions, a total that was also fifth in the country. His 15 receiving touchdowns were fifth as well.